Hello,
Just purchased a new beginner mandolin, a kentucky km-250. I have been playing banjo for a few years and wanted to try my hand at mando. That is the beauty of Ben’s site. It’s all here banjo, guitar and mandolin.
New mando
Welcome to mandolin!
Thanks! I have always loved the mandolin sound and it will be much easier to travel with than my banjo. 
Mandolin is a great travel instrument. If you will travel on airlines much, I’d take a look at some of the semi-rigid backpacks. I have a guitar that can be broken down to go in a backpack, and it is soooo much easier than lugging around a case. I barely notice that I am carrying it.
I have a hard case, but I can see where a back pack might be ideal for airlines.